She spent most days at Hank’s. Was there when he got home at night and the man was not kidding about his greeting. Even if she was off on business, she was going to be sure to get her ass home for six. Smiling to herself, she walked outside and took in the scene. Things had been a little tense between them since their dinner with his parents. In part some of that tension was guilt because she’d googled Hank and his parents. She wasn’t sure what she hoped to learn, but she hadn’t learned anything because there was very little on them. As the sheriff of Summerville, that kind of surprised her. He was a figurehead, there should have been more on him. And even that…for people so concerned about attention, him being the sheriff didn’t bother them? He was the most visible person in town.
Hank had left earlier after a magnificent round of shower sex. She was tempted to just move in. She was never going to get enough of him. The thought brought a smile. Looking out toward the horizon, she remembered the first time she’d been there, and what had stirred her interest in doing the spread on him, but she could admit it had less to do with his house and more to do with the man. She’d never met anyone like him, suspected she never would again. He cared about this town, the people…every little thing. It was admirable. He gave them so much of himself, and it warmed her heart to see that the town didn’t take that for granted.
The call of birds pulled her attention, warmth swept through her imagining little ones running around this yard. She wanted that. It was too soon, but she did. She wanted his children, wanted to see him as a father because she knew he was going to make a hell of a one.
The sound of a car turned her head. Her feet were already moving toward the driveway because it wouldn’t be the first time Hank came home for lunch or surprised her unannounced. The accompanying heat moved through her body and settled between her legs. She reached the driveway, noticed the car and that lovely chill dried up. She dropped her head, contemplated ignoring the fact that Catherine had arrived, pondered even taking a long, long walk, but she was Hank’s mom. The woman hadn’t wasted anytime going inside, which was odd because she knew Hank would be working. Why was she here? Arissa moved then, not at the thought of seeing Catherine, but seeing what she was up to.
She walked through the kitchen, careful to keep quiet as she approached the living room and then stopped at the sight of Catherine removing pictures from the wall. She wasn’t sure what she thought would bring Catherine to Hank’s in the middle of the day but removing pictures she had given Hank certainly never crossed her mind.
Catherine moved around his living room, took a few off the shelves that flanked his flat screen. Only then did it dawn on Arissa that she’d parked her car in the garage. She’d bet money that Catherine didn’t know she was there. She took far more pleasure from what she did next than she should have.
Stepping into the room, she said too brightly, “Catherine, what a lovely surprise.”
Arissa had been right. Catherine hadn’t known she was there because she almost dropped her now overly stuffed bag.
“Arissa, what are you doing here?” she said accusingly. “Does Hank know you’re here?”
Did he know if she was here? No, she snuck in to attack him when he got home. She shouldn’t have, but she held the older woman’s stare and said, “I have a key.”
She wished she had her phone handy because the look on Catherine’s face, priceless. “Why are you removing pictures?” Arissa asked, stepping into the room and intentionally added, “Does Hank know?”
Catherine narrowed her eyes at Arissa and squared her shoulders. “You’ve dropped the spread, yes? I believe that’s what we all agreed to.”
It didn’t pass her notice the older woman ignored her question. She didn’t press because as much as she’d like to get into a pissing contest with her, this was Hank’s mom. “I’ve not dropped the spread. Hank is completely onboard.”
“Why is it you women come to town and think you can change things.” She held Arissa stare and added, “Change him.”
There was more than venom behind her words; there was fear too. And it was because she heard that, she tried to be more gentle when she replied, “I’ve no intention of changing Hank. He’s incredible just the way he is.”
Catherine studied the younger woman before she said, “So why are you insisting on the spread?”
Why was she so against it? “Why don’t you want it?”
Catherine’s words were hard…firm when she stated, “Hank was very happy before you moved here. A spread in a fancy magazine isn’t what my son needs.” She finished with shoving a picture of the three of them standing in front of the town’s Christmas tree into her bag.
“What does your son need, Catherine? From the minute we met, you’ve had a problem with me. No one is here so why don’t you just say what I can see you so very much want to.”
Catherine’s eyes glanced around the room. She was pleased with the images she had removed. Flinging the stuffed bag over her shoulder, she started for the door. “I don’t have time for this, my roast will burn,” she said, ignoring Arissa’s question. But right before she closed the front door behind her, she turned and said, “Please tell Hank that Brianna had a wonderful time and is looking forward to seeing him again.” And with that, she closed the door firmly behind her.
Arissa didn’t move, anger kept her frozen in place. She recalled her conversation with
